Desert Elite Hockey Book 1: Blue Line Collision by Christie Gordon

 

Desert Elite Hockey Book 1

I came to celebrate my call-up to the NHL playoffs. I didn’t expect a rockstar to turn my world upside down.

Evan Crosby

After five years grinding in the AHL, I finally get my shot with the Coyotes.

The playoffs are my chance to prove I belong in the NHL.

No distractions. No mistakes.

Then I walk into a bar in Scottsdale to celebrate…

and lock eyes with him.

Ronan Vale—dark hair, sinful eyeliner, and a voice that’s haunted my playlists for years.

A rockstar who looks at me like I’m the only man in the room.

I’ve always dated women.

My career is hanging by a thread.

And the last thing a playoff rookie needs is a scandal.

But the way Ronan touches me?

The way he makes me feel?

Suddenly the biggest risk of my career isn’t on the ice.

It’s falling for him.

Ronan Vale

Fame taught me one thing—never let anyone close enough to break you.

Music is safe. Touring is safe. Casual hookups are safe.

Then Evan Crosby crashes into my life—sweet, nervous, and completely new to everything I am.

He says this can’t be real.

That his career could shatter if anyone finds out.

But the way he kisses me tells a different story.

And when the final buzzer sounds on his playoff run, he’ll have to decide.

Protect the career he’s fought for…

Or risk everything for a love neither of us saw coming.

Blue Line Collision launches the Desert Elite Hockey series and spins off from the Desert Ice Hockey and Desert Football worlds. Inside you’ll find a bisexual awakening, a closeted playoff rookie, a broody rockstar, secret hookups, found queer hockey family, and a love that hits harder than a body check.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249429448-blue-line-collision

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Evan has finally been called up from the AHL to NHL for playoffs. Now he just has to prove to them that he deserves to be there and if he is good enough, they’ll sign him for next season. So his goal? To be focused and put everything he has into doing well in the playoffs. But he never expects to meet Ronan. A member of a band he loves and for them to have such a connection. Evan has never been attracted to a guy before, but Ronan is different. And the idea of staying away and not getting to know him or be with him? Well, that may prove to be impossible. Ronan is was never one for a relationship, especially with his career. So imagine his surprise when he meets Evan and everything changes. Being with Evan can be complicated. Evan has a lot to prove and they can’t afford the media to find out they are together. But the one more time they spend together, the harder they fall. And it may just be worth the risk. Great start to this new series. A rockstar and hockey player may be an unlikely combo, but these two prove they are just perfect for one another! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Necessary Roughness Book 1: The Comeback King by Riley Hart

 

Necessary Roughness Book 1

Lucas

To my dad, Hunter King is a football prodigy destined for greatness.

The son he always wanted.

To me, Hunter King is the guy I’ve loved most of my life.

The guy who happens to be my dead brother’s boyfriend.

We were kids when Hunter came into our lives—the boy with the skill my brother didn’t have and the drive I lacked. The one who was always kind to me, who cared about my photography when, to my dad, it was a hobby, not worth anyone’s time.

Looking at the world through the lens of my camera is the only thing I’ve ever wanted.

Other than Hunter King.

Hunter

I would be nothing without the Blakes. Coach Blake nurtured my football talent from high school through college and now professionally. For all intents and purposes, he was my father. And when I started dating his son Ellis, it felt like I truly became part of the family.

But since Ellis died, nothing feels right anymore—not even the game I’ve always loved.

Until Lucas walks back into my life.

With each lingering touch, I feel sensation returning. Every kiss breathes air into my lungs. And for the first time in three years, it feels like my heart starts beating again.

But with every embrace, I’m betraying Ellis’s memory. The media, my team, Coach Blake will all condemn me. I’ll no longer be their Comeback King. I’ll be the man who is sleeping with his dead boyfriend’s brother.

Yet none of it is enough to make me stop.

The Comeback King is the first book in a new series. You can expect big feels and a secret relationship with pining and learning to love after loss.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249491561-the-comeback-king

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Hunter feels he owes a lot of his success in the NFL to the Blake Family. Ellis became his best friend when he had moved to town, Ellis’s dad made him feel like one of his sons, especially when Hunter and Ellis became more than friends. But then three years ago, Ellis died in a tragic accident. And since then, Hunter hasn’t been the same. His game is suffering and it shows. And then Lucas walks back into his life. Ellis’s brother. Nothing like his brother and treated so poorly by his father, Lucas reminds Hunter there is life outside of football and to find his love in the game again. But Hunter can’t help but feel guilty and like he is betraying Ellis. Especially when things between him and Lucas heat up. However, Hunter also knows he can’t stay away. Not with how Lucas makes him feel. Lucas has always had feelings for Hunter. But he learned to shove them down. It didn’t matter. Hunter was his brother’s best friend then boyfriend. Hunter was the son his dad always wanted. But seeing Hunter again after so long? His heart can only take so much. Especially when Hunter has never expected Lucas to be another other than himself. He knows they may not have a future, but he’ll hold on to Hunter for as long as he can. Such a great story to kick off this new series! I really loved getting to know Hunter and Lucas and watch them fall for one another so hard. They balanced each other and you could see how these two should have always been something. They brought one another back to life a bit and find the joy neither believed they deserved. A really great story all around. And I can’t wait for book two!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Home Ice by Saxon James

 

TAI

Ten years ago, I made the biggest mistake of my life. 

When Hawke left for the NHL and my hockey dreams went up in smoke, I ghosted my best and longest friend. It made sense at the time, but there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t missed him. 

So when we run into each other again, and his only response is “Do I know you?”, I know I deserve it. But I refuse to let one mistake keep us apart forever. Especially when he has bigger problems, and I’m in a position to help him.

JENSEN

All I wanted this offseason was to spend my time relaxing–not getting an emergency phone call from Mom to come home. My hometown is full of too many memories of me and Tai so I avoid returning there as much as I can. 

But now I have one more memory to add to the list: my high school girlfriend. 

And the kid we apparently had together. 

Kasen hates me and thinks I abandoned them, and my only way to get to him is through his coach. My ex-best friend. The friend that has been impossible to forget. No matter how much I’ve tried.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245238546-home-ice

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

The last thing Jensen wanted was to go home. But when he receives shocking news, he has no choice. Turns out, he has a son. Fourteen years old and the kid just lost his mom in a car accident. And what kills Jensen is that no one ever told him. But convincing Kasen that he didn’t purposely abandon him is a whole challenge in itself. Because the moment he meets Kasen, Jensen knows that he wants to be there for his kid. If Kasen will let him. And to do that, he may need a little help from the one person that hurt him ten years ago. Ten years ago, Tai ghosted his best friend without a word. What he was going through, he couldn’t let Jensen know. Tai needed to be home to help his dad and gave up his dream to play in the NHL. And in giving that up, he just couldn’t make himself be there for Jensen. But he has regrets. And he knows that Jensen has every reason to be angry with him still. But when Jensen returns home, they are given a chance to set things right. And in doing so, they may realize that what was between them was so much more than simply being best friends. Loved this story! Just so good all around. Big shocks may have hit Jensen and knocked him down for a minute, but he got back up. I loved how he didn’t give up on his kid and gave himself a chance to do what he would have always done had he known about him. And I loved that he got his best friend back and even more, once him and Tai actually talked about their past. Their chemistry was so strong even before they went from friends to more. And I loved seeing them find their way back to one another. Great story all around! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Silvercrest U Book 5: Secrets & Lies by Willow Dixon

 

Silvercrest U Book 5

Anthony

Three years ago, I hooked up with one of my frat brothers during a house challenge, and between the darkness and the masks we were wearing, I had no idea it was West until after it was over. And what was supposed to be nothing more than a chance to have a little fun and indulge in some of my darker desires ends up being so much more. 

I don’t understand the pull between us, but West feels like mine, and even though he does his best to hide it, I know he wants me too. 

After accidentally catching his fiancée cheating on him, I send West an anonymous text asking if he wants to know the truth. That text sparks a conversation, then another, and before I know it, West is telling me his deepest, darkest secrets, even though he has no idea who I am. 

Then he issues me a challenge I can’t resist, and my prize is I get to do whatever I want to him. I already know West is into the same things I am, but I had no idea just how compatible we really are. Or how much we both like it when I wear a mask.

At the same time all of this is going on, West and I are paired up to work on a project together, and it’s then I realize that what I feel for him goes beyond anything I ever thought possible. I don’t just want him, I need him. And now that I’ve claimed him, I’m never letting him go.

West is mine until I decide he isn’t, and I dare anyone to try and come between us because I promise it won’t end well for them.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/251155380-secrets-lies

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Three years ago, Anthony and West hooked up without realizing who one another were. At least at first. Anthony figured it out but West still doesn’t know. And they have both thought about it plenty over the years. But things had changed. Like the fact that West is currently engaged. Well for now. When Anthony catches West’s fiancé cheating, he starts reaching out anonymously to West about what he saw. And after West ends his relationship, he keeps talking to his mystery texter. Sharing things he hasn’t with anyone else. And soon, they find themselves exploring what is sparking between them. All while Anthony is slowly giving hints to West about who he is. Waiting for West to figure it all out. Because deep down, Anthony knows West is he. But he is patient enough to wait for West to realize that what they have is more than casual. This one was a lot of fun! I like being back in this world and now we are starting to explore a new group of guys while still connecting to the other stories. The bigger threats that we’ve seen hinted throughout the series is still well and alive. Gathering bits of information as we go through the series. But I really liked getting to know Anthony and West in this one. They are a great match and I loved how Anthony treated West. He was so much better a partner for West in all the ways that mattered. And West definitely deserves someone who cares for him and is in this with him one hundred percent. Another great story in this series and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Redemption Road Book 1: Knight by DJ Jamison

 

Redemption Road Book 1

They call me Knight because I'm always trying to save someone...

Unfortunately, I can't even save myself most of the time. I didn't save myself from getting involved with the wrong people, from taking the fall for a guy I thought I loved, or from being betrayed by him.

Redemption Road gives me a fresh start. a new family of men who know what it's like to make mistakes, and a chance to meet a guy who actually deserves my heart. Only problem? He's a doctor going places far from Riverton--and he's way too smart to fall for a con like me.

Especially when my past shows up and tries to drag me back into the biker gang I thought I'd escaped.

There's no running from them. I'll have to fight if I want my freedom. And there's a good chance I won't come out of it alive.

This time, I'll have to save myself. But as the other ex-cons at Redemption Road step up, I realize I'm not alone. I finally have people who care about me.

And my best friend's brother, Aiden, tops that list. He's not only my roommate and casual hookup. He's becoming the center of my world.

But unless I end this, I can't stay with him. I'd only put him in danger. So there's really no choice.

I'm going to get my happy ending--or die trying.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/246264642-knight

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

If you have read the Foster Bros series, then you definitely don’t want to miss this new series! And if you haven’t read Foster Bros yet, I recommend you do! It’s a great start for this particular world where we get beginning looks of our main characters. This series starts off with Knight. Redemption Road gave him a fresh start after he got out of prison. All he wants to do is stay away from his past, which involved a biker gang, and make a new life for himself. And so far, he’s been doing pretty well. But when his plans for a roommate falls through, he is struggling to find someone to fill in. He just never expected it would be his best friend’s brother, Aiden. Especially when Aiden and Knight met many months before at a club and hooked up. They may not have known one another now but they do now. And even more than that? They never forgot that night. But they can’t cross that line again…can they? Meanwhile, Aiden has worked hard to become a doctor. And this year he needs to focus if he wants to move forward with the plans he made. But being around Knight again makes that hard. And it’s only a matter of time until he gives in to their attraction. But maybe his so called perfect plans have room for improvement. But then Knight’s past comes knocking on their door. Can they find a way to free him from the past for good? Loved this story! It was a great way to kick off this new series. I adored getting to know Aiden and Knight. These two had great chemistry and they just worked so well together as a couple. Even when they were denying what was happening between them. A great start for sure and I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love at First Snapshot: A Charity Anthology

 

One Photoshoot. Two Strangers. Endless Possibilities.

Love At First Snapshot brings together 19 queer authors for 19 low-angst, meet cute romances where strangers collide in front of the camera and something real begins. From unexpected moments to genuine connections, these stories capture the magic of finding love when you least expect it.

Love At First Snapshot includes a diverse collection of queer characters in stories that range from cozy and sweet to hot and spicy. The content is meant for readers 18+ so please read responsibly.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241795260-love-at-first-snapshot

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Cherry on Top by Bree Wiley

I love Bree Wiley’s State of Us series, so when she did a story about Arya in this anthology, I had to read it! In this very short story, we see what Arya has been up to. She’s moved away from Utah in the hope to find herself and just give herself a clean slate away from her former friends. In doing so, she meets Liv. First by accident then by a photoshoot they sign up for. Liv is basically married to her job. But when she tries to be spontaneous, she never imagined she would see Arya again. And for the chemistry between them to be so strong. This story between is a sweet promise of starting something new with someone who sees you. A promise of a future that be something they have both been looking for!

Moonfall Book 2: The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker

 

Moonfall Book 2

The Ballad of Falling Dragons is the much-anticipated sequel to the New York Timesbestselling phenomenon When the Moon Hatched, featuring an immersive, vibrant world with mysterious creatures, a unique magic system, and a love that blazes through the ages.

“Moonbeam. A moonfall is coming.”

Raeve’s thirst for vengeance continues to burn, as does her love for Kaan Vaegor—a staunch beacon from a past she’s yet to face. With Rekk’s blood still fresh on her hands, she learns the world will face its most devastating moonfall yet, forcing her to pick a path: 

Chase death.

Or life.

Desperate to save his kingdom from ruin, Kaan’s crown has never felt so heavy. His many larks to scattered friends and family remain unanswered, and time is running out.

As allies merge and enemies surge with bloodlusting agendas of their own, secrets brew hot enough to burn, but none so mighty as the truth nesting within the icy depths of Raeve’s long forgotten past.

Something … Other.

Something with the knowledge to change it all.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216815055-the-ballad-of-falling-dragons

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Wow! A really great follow up to the previous book and an ending that has me demanding for book three asap! Things have definitely gotten more interesting in this world. Raeve may have gotten her vengeance for now but there is still a lot more left of her journey. She is going to have to face her past sooner or later. But in the meantime, there are some other problems going on. Like the fact that another moonfall is coming. And it isn’t just one, but many. Kaan may have Raeve back and they are together, but they have much to do. Veya, Kyzari, and others have their own roles to play and journeys to face. A lot goes down in this book and I truly don’t want to spoil any of it! I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first book. Only because it was much easier to follow this world at this point. And just so much happened in this one. We get some answers but we definitely have more questions! The ending was really crazy and I can’t wait to see what happens next!